Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

OK Let's get this straight. I owned a '73 340 Challenger with a 727 auto at 17 years of age and kept that car for the next 17 years of my and our lives after marrying Mrs. Deranged at 18 years old. She knows that the Challenger was the first love of my life and didn't mind. That old Dodge was everything, including a thrill ride for me (and at times for the wife and kids as well) and every day transportation and grocery getter. I will be purchasing an R/T with the six speed and nothing else this spring. I want to know what those of you who own a six speed car think of it as a daily driver as well as performance and also how long you had to wait for delivery if you ordered your specific car. Yep, I'm in my midlife crisis right now and this will be my one extravagance before I begin paying for college for my youngest son. Let me hear it guys. It's up to you to let me know I'm making the right decision here. ;)

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

How could you not do it..??

The car is everything you would imagine and expect AND SO MUCH MORE... ;)

I would say you are definately on the right track and I would suggest you not even consider getting away from yoour plan to buy.

And then there is that whole grin thing... :D

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

If you miss the 73, and want that feeling back, without the old car feel? I would suggest you jump. It's a great cure for the muscle car blues, and can be used as a daily driver.

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

I had a 70 and now I have an 09, and all I can say is get the Challenger. You'll love it. (I gotta admit, though, I don't know much about having a midlife crisis. I've spent so many years elevating juvenile delinquency to a high art form that I've never had time for a midlife crisis.) [8D]

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

I have owned a 70 440 challenger and a 72 340 challenger. I just bought an 09 Rt (auto) 3 weeks ago and love it. It is much more enjoyable than the old ones to drive....and faster!! You will love it!!

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

My room mate in college had the 73 auto. The 09 r/t is much faster,quicker and nimbleier than the 73's for sure.

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

I say buy it, mid life crisis, I've been stuck in mid life crisis since 02'. Live life to the fullest for you never know what's around the corner. Sounds to me like you already made up your mind, do it and feel young again. Put lots of cream on your cheeks so the smile doesn't stay permanent.:D

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

How long are you guys who ordered your Challengers having to wait (build time) to take delivery? I want it built to order because I know exactly what I want. Brilliant Black Crystal, Dark Slate interior, Six speed with Track Pack, "20 wheel and tire package and nothing else above the base R/T package. I'd like to have it by the end of April 2009.

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

I ordered my Challenger on July 29 and took delivery on Nov 10th. Its a R/T 6-speed and as a daily driver I LOVETHEHELLOUTOFIT !!!!!!!! It is so easy to use as a daily driver, trafic doesnt bother me much and the shifts are easy to do. The clutch doesnt wear out my leg at all and with the close gearing of the first 4 gears you dont need to do alot of shifting. So far the only worry I have is that someone is gonna rear end me cause they want to get a closer look :D .

This is the best car I have ever owned, but it also only has 110 miles on it so thats just my first impression. My advise is that if you want one, you better get one because in these turbulent time this car might not be around long.

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

I also have a 09 R/T 6 speed. It is absolutely worth it. The car is amazing. I ordered mine on May 14th and it arrived at the dealer on October 3rd. I now have 1300 miles on it and loved every mile. It is by far the best car I've owned.

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

:DThat funny! I don't feel midlife but I do feel the need to have something with some raw power back under the seat of my pants and at my back. I've been stuck in the economy car mode for 20 years after selling my Challenger and I kick myself for doing it. But you know family first and the responsibilities that come with it take priority. But right now I see an opportunity to do this before my youngest son begins his college experience and I have that expense to deal with. At this point I have no debt and don't feel the guilt I would normally have even thinking about such a purchase.

Yesterday I took Mrs. deranged to test drive a Deep Water Blue R/T with an Automatic and she said she likes it. We had our original Challenger for 17 years so she was almost as fond of that car as I was and the test drive kind of brought back some of those feelings. She did comment that it didn't sound the same as our old one and didn't quite understand the point of the tap shift feature but overall she was impressed.

So you guys that have ordered are saying that I should probably be thinking about ordering soon to have it by April? Sounds like 4-5 months is about what you're experiencing from order to delivery? I guess I'd better get my deposit in hand and go talk some serious business with the dealer then!

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

i drive my srt8 daily, and I'm soooo happy i got a auto instead of a manual. i'm a die hard driver, and fatigue usually doesn't come into play with my driving
but really I'm happy i got the auto, cause there are some days where i think I would have killed myself if I was in a manual.

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

I just purchased what you want off the lot Nov. 7th . Does have the Bose 7 speaker 368 watt sound system with 6 CD changer that sound's great. But it is the Burbling exhaust sound . And the sound going through the gear's that put's a big grin on my face. And after riding with me today . My wife also. She could not believe how fast it goes and doesn't feel like you are going that fast. She drive's a 06 Chrysler 300C with the Hemi I got her new. Two great looking car's. I made my first Mod tonight. Took some of the Black touch up paint for her car . Painted in the number's on the top of my 6 speed shifter . Then wiped the top off with a cloth before drying . Leaving the paint in the numbers and line's. Look's great. You are going to love the New Challenger R/T with the stick .

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

Comparing the new 71 R/T 340 I had with auto and the 09 R/T with 6 speed stick and 3.92 gear. The 340 was a very high winding engine . The car was quick and could do 150 on top end . The only thing I didn't like was the steering. It was very touchy or mine was . Brakes were ok for then I guess . Didn't worry about stopping . Don't know how I'd feel about it if I had it to drive now. The 09 feel's like a muscle car , sound and for sure has plenty of power . Good brakes to deal with the extra weight. Great seat's and love the leather and 368 Watt Bose 7 speaker sound system. . Never thought they make anything like it again. Alot went into this new Challenger R/T and it show's.

RE: Former Challenger owner driving impressions?
 

Yeah, I know about the touchy steering in the old Challengers at high speed. The front end started to lift and wander at about 110. For the rest of you guys, watch the movie Vanishing Point (original) and when you see that Challenger with the ass end hunkered down and it's nose in the air, you'll know that SOB is travelling at high velocity! The most nerve I got up was taking mine to 135 mph. My brother was in the passenger seat and that was all he wanted as well! Scared the living crap out of him!;) Oh, the days of young and stupid. I still remember them fondly and I am sure when the time is right I'll test the limits of my new Challenger as well as my own. Wasn't that old 340 a screamer! Wow, what a motor!:D